Edmunds is a well-known automotive information platform that offers a range of vehicle-related services, including car value estimation, buying & selling guidance, and more. And it’s no doubt a good option to evaluate a used car. In this post, we’ll share how to get Edmunds used car value and other reliable alternatives.

How does Edmunds determine the used car value?

Edmunds determines used car values through a combination of proprietary data, market analysis, and industry expertise. Some of the main factors include:

• Mileage: vehicles with higher mileage tend to be worth less.
• Year, make, and model: newer and more popular models worth more.
• Modification: the type, quality of the modifications, and the preferences of buyers are the main factors.
• Condition: damage, wear and tear, and other issues.
• Market preference: supply and demand can impact a car’s value in a specific area.

How to use Edmunds to price a used car?

Using Edmunds to evaluate a used car is simple. Just navigate to Edmunds’ official page and use its appraisal tool. It allows you to search by the license plate, VIN, or year & make. Either way, you’ll need to provide further details required to get a more accurate quote. Here’s an example of how to search car value by the VIN.

1. Navigate to the Edmunds appraisal page.
2. Select the VIN tab, enter the VIN, and click on the search button.
   
3. Fill in the details about the car, which will include its installed options, mileage, condition, and modifications.
   
4. Then Edmunds will evaluate the car. Once done, it will show you the estimated price provided by its partners.
   

Other options to find used car value

Typically, most of the online used car value estimators work the same: you enter a VIN or license plate, fill in the car specs (or not), and then they will do the job for you. Listed below are some of the highly recognized platforms to evaluate a used car.

1. Carvana

Carvana is a well-known online platform for buying and selling used cars. It offers the Carvana Value Tracker to help users get an estimate of their current vehicle’s value based on various factors like the make, model, year, mileage, condition, and any additional features or options.

2. Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book, as a widely recognized and trusted online automobile information platform in the United States, offers a used car value estimator. It supports searching by VIN, license plate, and year & make. If you’re selling your car, KBB is a good option because it offers a range of services including vehicle pricing, selling, and purchasing.

3. BeenVerified

BeenVerified is a strong vehicle history search tool that is powered by Bumper, an NMVTIS-approved data provider. What makes it stand out is its ability to estimate the car value with only a VIN, and you don’t have to know every small detail about the car. Besides, with access to multiple data sources like dealerships, manufacturers, and government agencies, it can fetch much information like accident & theft records, titles, odometer readings, and more.

To use the service, you can follow the below steps:

1. Go to BeenVerified.
2. Enter the VIN of your car into the search box and click SEARCH to initiate the search process.
   
3. Wait as BeenVerified searches through its data sources and gathers all the information related to the VIN. Then it’ll generate a report that can include the market value of the car.
   
4. BeenVerified uses its internal algorithms to collect all the necessary information and analyze its value automatically. Note that you’ll need to purchase a membership plan to view the full report.
   

What do we like about BeenVerified?
Apart from the market value, BeenVerified can also offer you past sale listings, previous selling history, ownership history, and more, and you don’t need to provide any further details.

4. Bumper

Bumper is an Approved NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) Data Provider. And it also spares users the trouble of providing car details. Bumper gathers information from government authorities and insurance providers. Apart from the market value, it can also show you title records, odometer readings, and more of the vehicles searched.

5. EpicVIN

EpicVIN is also a good choice as you try to estimate the value of a used car. It’s also an NMVTIS-powered vehicle data provider. With access to multiple public data resources, it can offer you genuine and detailed vehicle information like market value, recalls, odometer readings, theft records, hidden damages, and more.

You may also want to know…

1. How to get a more accurate estimate?

Multiple factors will affect the market value of a used car. To get a relatively accurate estimate on your car, you can try the following methods:

• Use reliable online tools
  Websites like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and BeenVerified offer comprehensive data access and calculators to help determine a car’s value based on factors like make, year, and condition.
• Compare multiple sources
  Each source may use different algorithms or data points, so considering multiple estimates can provide a more well-rounded perspective on the car’s value.
• Consider Local Market Conditions
  Factors such as demand, availability, and regional pricing trends can impact a car’s value.
• Consult professionals
  They can offer experience and expertise that can help refine the valuation.
• Perform physical inspection
  For a more accurate assessment, consider having the car inspected by a qualified mechanic or automotive technician.

2. Does Edmunds provide information on the past pricing trends of used cars?

Yes, Edmunds shows information on the historical pricing trends of used cars. In its reports, Edmunds will offer pricing data on the car searched, where you can find historical pricing information for used cars. This information allows you to track how the prices of specific makes and models of used cars have changed over time.

3. Does Edmunds provide a vehicle history report for used cars?

No, Edmunds does not provide a vehicle history report for used cars.

However, there are other reputable services and websites that specialize in providing vehicle history reports. Some well-known providers of vehicle history reports include CARFAX, Bumper, EpicVIN, and more. You can refer to the NMVTIS official website for data providers that are approved by it.

Final thoughts

When you’re purchasing a used car, it’s important to understand that relying solely on VIN lookup reports is not sufficient for you to determine the actual condition of a car. Remember to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected by a mechanic before purchasing.